Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

50 Cent to Donate Gadhafi Gig Money to UNICEF

by Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press  |   March 09, 2011 2:18 EST
Redferns

Artists in this Article

Usher
Mariah Carey
Beyoncé
50 Cent
Nelly Furtado

50 Cent is the latest artist to make a donation to charity after it was revealed he performed at an event linked to the clan of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

 

A statement released to The Associated Press on Wednesday said the rapper, who has his own G-Unity foundation, will be making a donation to UNICEF to help with that organization's relief efforts during the turmoil in Libya.

 

50 Cent is the latest artist to make a donation to charity after it was revealed he performed at an event linked to the clan of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. A statement released Wednesday, March 9, 2011, said the rapper, who has his own G-Unity foundation, will be making a donation to UNICEF to help with that organization's relief efforts during the turmoil in Libya.

 

Billboard Bits: Nelly Furtado Donating Gadhafi Money

 

"In light of the ongoing events in Libya, 50 Cent will be making a donation to UNICEF, which is providing vital relief supplies to meet the needs of women and children at risk during this crisis," said a representative for 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson.

 

50 Cent performed at a private event during the 2005 Venice Film Festival that was later linked to the Gadhafi clan. Gadhafi is battling rebels who are revolting against his rule, and faces an investigation for possible war crimes.

 

Last week, Beyoncé, Usher, Mariah Carey and Nelly Furtado announced donations to charity in the wake of their participation in private concerts connected to the Gadhafis.

 

Billboard Bits: Beyonce Donates Gadhafi Money Towards Haiti Relief

 

On Twitter, Furtado acknowledged getting $1 million to perform for guests in Italy in 2007; she said she was donating the money, but did not announce a charity.

 

Later that week, a representative for Beyoncé said the superstar had already donated her fee, which was not disclosed, to Haiti earthquake relief efforts after she learned her 2009 New Year's Eve performance on St. Bart's was connected to the Gadhafis. Carey, who performed in St. Bart's in 2008, said she wasn't aware of the Gadhafi link and was "embarrassed," but took full responsibility. Her representative said proceeds from a song on her upcoming album would be donated to organizations raising awareness about human rights.

 

Mariah Carey 'Embarrassed' Over Gadhafi-Linked Concert

 

Usher, who did not perform but was paid to appear at the Beyoncé event, announced a donation to Amnesty International last week, saying he was "sincerely troubled" to learn about the connection. He also promised donations to other human rights groups.

 

Usher 'Sincerely Troubled' by Gadhafi Concert Link

 

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

Up for Discussion

Connect with

More Features

All features

All of Billboard.com's Great Lists

Billboard chart app

Billboard archives

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.